Home server project...help!

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
B

bweslake

Honorable
Sep 14, 2013
5
0
10,510
Hi all!

I was thinking about creating a home file server / backup. My fiancee and i have 2 powerful laptops which we use, so my old desktop has become more or less defunct.

The link below is the exact desktop PC i have.
http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=51273

So what i was wondering is would be the best way to accomplish what i want. whether it be retrofitting this machine or whether its probably better just to sell it and buy new...

so ... lets get started.

i want USB 3.0 so i take it ill have to upgrade the mobo. can i use the same CPU? or should i look at something different.

Im gonna want at least 6 Drives probablly 3TB each, 2 of which to be in RAID 1 for pictures, tax stuff, important files.

id like to have the card reader capability. does that just come with a case i can select? can anyone recommend a good case?

What OS should i use? im really only familiar with windows. and nothing to do with servers.

given this setup are there any applications id be limited in? im playing around and learning things tryinh to make my home more efficient all the time.

Do i even need an optical drive?

any random thoughts or suggestions, experiences whatever please your input is appreciated




Thanks,

"Computer enthusiast in training"


price is not really an object, just like to avoid that point of diminishing returns.
 
Solution
p4nz3rm4d
Like I said, there's nothing wrong with running that PC as a server, but I would still consider Linux as the OS. You can SSH into a Linux rig very easily to control it remotely. Particularly useful for a server if you want to hide the PC away, and use it without a monitor.
There are other means to do the same on a windows PC, but it is more complicated.

You stated that you are more familiar with windows, but this is really the place where Linux is superior.
Sort by date Sort by votes
p4nz3rm4d

p4nz3rm4d

Distinguished
Jun 1, 2010
718
0
19,060
If you purely want a server, look at a linux distro like FreeNAS. You can backup your hdd to it, create open partitions for local file sharing, and can stream quite easily. Correct me if im wrong, but USB3 might be a bit useless, as the major bottleneck would be your network, not the hard drive speed.

As for the PC, it will do everything you want. make sure it is connected via lan, not wifi, directly to the router. Please take into account that this will not be the most efficient setup for a server. It will be way bigger than it needs to be, and is a pool of unnecessary resources. This will drain quite a lot of electricity compared to other builds...

I created a home server a while back, and it has been working perfectly on a raspberry pi with some old hard drives. No noise, tiny, and draws very little electricity.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
B

bweslake

Honorable
Sep 14, 2013
5
0
10,510
the USB 3.0 was gonna be for loading and unloading flash drives and my portable HDD.

and as for the size, i have the computer already might as well use it!

but on that note, retaining full desktop capability would allow me to use remote access when i am away from home correct? or does that require a specific OS?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
p4nz3rm4d

p4nz3rm4d

Distinguished
Jun 1, 2010
718
0
19,060
Like I said, there's nothing wrong with running that PC as a server, but I would still consider Linux as the OS. You can SSH into a Linux rig very easily to control it remotely. Particularly useful for a server if you want to hide the PC away, and use it without a monitor.
There are other means to do the same on a windows PC, but it is more complicated.

You stated that you are more familiar with windows, but this is really the place where Linux is superior.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Solution
CommentariesAnd More

CommentariesAnd More

Honorable
Apr 2, 2013
853
1
11,160
Here , get this beast -
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD A8-6500 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($116.99 @ Canada Computers)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-L9a 57.5 CFM CPU Cooler ($49.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-F2A85XM-D3H Micro ATX FM2 Motherboard ($66.50 @ Vuugo)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($74.99 @ Canada Computers)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($189.25 @ DirectCanada)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($119.79 @ DirectCanada)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($119.79 @ DirectCanada)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($119.79 @ DirectCanada)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($119.79 @ DirectCanada)
Storage: Western Digital WD Black 4TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($265.95 @ DirectCanada)
Storage: Western Digital WD Black 4TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($265.95 @ DirectCanada)
Case: NZXT H2 Classic Silent (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ NCIX)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($48.99 @ NCIX)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($17.50 @ Vuugo)
Total: $1655.26
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-09-14 10:35 EDT-0400)

Why an APU ?
Well , its awesome for processing performance + integrated GPU's awesome for light gaming ( if any ) with 1866MHz of RAM (included) + Cheaper than average.
1866MHz of RAM ?
Because its a bit expensive but will help if you game someday.
A 256GB SSD ?
Because if its expensive storage PC , it should have atleast a bit of power.
Which HDD's are for RAID ? And what for storage ?
The Caviar Black's for RAID and the Seagate's for storage. Caviar Black's in RAID 0 will beat a 128GB 840 EVO.
Why a silent case ?
The silent case is really awesome in terms of silence , size and looks. And can fit all you have to and possibly can.
Why a ODD ?
You need one while installing OS + its cheap. So why not ?

For everything else , p4nz3rm4d seems to be more helpful then me :)
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom